Sowei Helmet Masks
20th century. Wood & raffia. Sierra Leone (Mende)
Image courtesy of the Savannah African Art Museum.
The helmet masks of the Sande and Sowei women’s initiation societies, embody the values of wisdom beauty, grace and self-control.
Worn by the ndoli jowei – the society leader – the mask and costume represent a cocoon that represents the process of transformation from girls into women. The ripples along the neck make it clear that the time initiation was a time when young women were fed quite a bit in order to prepare them to have children. The mask’s dark and glossy patina accentuates the beauty of dark healthy skin, in contrast to the ashy clay that initiates wear during the initiation process. The coiffure is an indication of grace and sophistication that sets initiated adults apart from children. The small mouths and ears on the mask represent how initiates are to refrain from both listening to and spreading gossip. The training one receives during the initiation process centers on self-control and life in a multigenerational, polygamous household.
To regionally distinguish the masks, those with rolls on the neck are Sowei (primarily from Sierra Leone). Those with columnar necks are Sande (primarily from Liberia) The appearance of the mask varies by artist and ethnicity, however, the purpose of these masks remains the same; as representations of the profound transformation from young ladies into women.
Bibliography:
Visonà, M. B., Poynor, R., Cole, H. M., & Harris, M. D. (2008). A history of art in Africa. London: Prentice Hall.
By Maxime Mballa-Tagny.